Santin delivers again in Austria
FC Copenhagen faced Russian side FC Volga Novgorod yesterday evening, a team currently 12th in the Russian Premier League. FCK won the match 1-0, thanks to a César Santin header, who scored three minutes before the break. The win gives head coach Roland Nilsson his second in consecutive games in charge of FCK.
by Joe Short
Copenhagen kicked off in front of around 150 spectators, two of which were FCK fans who had travelled through Europe for the tie. After five minutes Sölvi Ottesen came close when Pierre Bengtsson delivered a corner from the right, but the Icelander’s effort fell wide of the far post.
Five minutes later the very same tactic from a corner occurred with Bengtsson again curling in a corner kick, but after a scramble in the Novgorod box, the Russians managed to get the ball clear.
The central midfield partnership of Christian Grindheim and Claudemir maintained its strength throughout the tie. Many tackles and positive passing gave the duo the run of the park. Indeed, the Lions were able to push their counterparts back down the field because of their strength. The pressure almost pulled off on 20 minutes, but Santin lacked the inches needed to make contact with Thomas Delaney’s accurate cross.
Ottesen alert to counter attack danger
Even though FCK were the dominant force, complacency is always a dangerous trap to fall into. Novgorod almost scored on the counter attack, as a chip flew over Johan Wiland’s head, only for Ottesen to reach the line and avert the situation. A few minutes later and the Russians crashed the ball off the woodwork, but luckily for FCK it landed behind the goal.
Chances came and went in response to Novgorod’s uprising. Delaney saw an effort easily saved, before Claudemir fired off target from close range. Eventually the deadlock was broken after excellent build-up play. Claudemir played a perfect ball over to Delaney, who in return picked out Santin inside the area. The Brazilian’s header was hard and true, an unstoppable effort to give FCK a 1-0 lead.
At the break Nilsson made three substitutions. Morten Nordstrand replaced Santin, while Ottesen and Bengtsson left the pitch for Ragnar Sigurdsson and Bryan Oviedo respectively.
Nordstrand threatens Novgorod goal
The early stages of the second half were marked as a battle in the middle of the park. It took Grindheim and Claudemir time to control their territory again, and the only real chance generated at the start of the half was a fine through ball to Dame N’Doye, who scuffed his chance in front of goal.
Nordstrand seemed anxious and in the final quarter came close on three occasions. Twice was Nordstrand sent though one-on-one, but both times he stroked the ball too close to the on-rushing goalkeeper. One could argue the Lions should have scored one or two more, but the goals never came. Indeed, Kim Christensen in goal had to come up with a beautiful parry, when the Volga Novgorod attack got free with ten minutes remaining.
This turned out to be the final notable attack of the game. The 1-0 win means Roland Nilsson’s new side is yet to concede a goal.
The match against Novgorod was the last test before FCK’s season opener against SønderjyskE on 17 July. On Saturday the squad will travel home from Austria and after a day off will start training up at Number 10 again on Monday.
FC COPENHAGEN: 1 FC VOLGA NOVGOROD: 0
FC Copenhagen: Wiland, Thomasen, Ottesen, Zanka (C), Bengtsson, Kristensen, Claudemir, Grindheim, Delaney, Santin, N'Doye.
